The Gravestone’s Tale

Tales from End to End
The Gravestone’s Tale

by Jack Capener

Gravestones

The very beautiful parish church at Tetbury in Gloucestershire contains many memorial stones and plaques extolling the virtues of deceased pillars of the community. Although the church was totally rebuilt in the late 18th century, there are even memorials transferred from the previous medieval church.

Most of these stones record in elaborate detail how pious the subject was, their exemplary character, and the many good works that he/she performed during their lifetime. Such practice was common throughout England, and was probably intended to provide the reader with a pattern for godly and charitable living.

Tucked away in a discrete corner at Tetbury, however, is one stone that is possibly unique. It simply records:

Beneath this stone lyeth several of the Saunders, late of this parish. Particulars the last day will disclose.

Given by Jack Capener, a musician, choirmaster and organist who gives of his services to several churches around the Tetbury area. Jack is a mine of information on all things around Tetbury.